American Lady
Vanessa virginiensis
The caterpillars are known as 'nest-builders,' weaving silk together with host plant leaves to create a protective shelter while they feed.
- Scientific name
- Vanessa virginiensis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Nymphalidae › Vanessa
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Open sunny areas such as meadows, fields, roadsides, forest clearings, and suburban gardens.
- Diet
- Adults drink nectar from flowers like asters, goldenrod, and dogbane; larvae feed on everlasting and pussytoes.
- Range
- North America, Central America, Southern Canada
- Size
- Wingspan of 1.75 to 2.6 inches (4.5 to 6.7 cm).
- Lifespan
- 6-12 months across all stages; adults typically live 2-4 weeks.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to development and the widespread use of herbicides and pesticides in residential areas.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing its feeding or resting. Do not attempt to catch, as their wings are extremely delicate and scales can be easily rubbed off.
The American painted lady or American lady ( Vanessa virginiensis ) is a butterfly found throughout North America.
Photo: Fyn Kynd, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
Plain-text version: /species/7aec2a09-ac3b-4982-b0ef-40d143b57e0e.md